- The Super Eagles suffered a 0-2 loss to Mali in a friendly match, marking Mali’s first victory in 49 years
- Mali’s El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia scored the goals, ending Nigeria’s unbeaten streak against Mali
In a friendly match held in Marrakech, Morocco, the Super Eagles faced a harsh reality: they fell 0-2 to Mali’s Les Aigles on Tuesday. This loss marked Mali’s first victory against Nigeria in 49 years, a significant milestone for the Malian team.
El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia secured the win for Mali with their goals, showcasing the team’s determination and skill on the field.
The last time Mali emerged victorious against the Super Eagles was on September 5, 1975, in another friendly encounter that ended with a scoreline of 4-1.
Before this match, the Super Eagles had maintained an impressive record against Mali, going unbeaten in eight consecutive fixtures, with five wins and three draws to their credit.
Interim coach Finidi George made strategic changes to the starting lineup, including Jamilu Collins, Raphael Onyedika, and Kenneth Omeruo. These alterations aimed to bolster the team’s performance following their recent 2-1 victory against Ghana, where different players had featured.
Despite Nigeria’s efforts to assert themselves in the game, Mali dominated the early stages. It capitalized on defensive errors to secure an early lead through El Bilal Toure’s goal in the 14th minute.
The Super Eagles faced further challenges as Moses Simon sustained an injury in the first half, leading to his substitution by Cyriel Dessers.
Although Nigeria showed promise at the start of the second half, Mali’s solid defense thwarted their attempts to equalize. Dessers missed a crucial opportunity in the 65th minute, failing to convert a clear chance into a goal.
Nigeria continued to press forward, with Kelechi Iheanacho and others creating scoring opportunities, but their efforts were met with resilience from Mali’s defense.
In the game’s dying minutes, Mali extended their lead through Kamory Doumbia’s goal in the 87th minute, securing a well-deserved victory for their team.
With their focus shifting to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June, the Super Eagles will look to bounce back from this defeat as they prepare to face South Africa, who held Algeria to a thrilling 3-3 draw earlier on Tuesday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.